Life, 1911-11-16 · page 3 of 44
Life — November 16, 1911 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a political cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from *Life* magazine. The F. B. Stearns Company advertises their "Stearns-Knight" automobile, claiming it's "the first American car to adopt the Knight type sleeve valve motor." The text emphasizes that in just four months since announcement, they received double the typical orders for a similar period in the company's sixteen-year history. The ad compares favorably to European luxury cars (Daimler, Panhard, Mercedes, Minerva), positioning the Stearns-Knight as superior American engineering. It appeals to experienced motorists who recognize the Knight engine's advantages, and offers a booklet explaining the motor's technical superiority. This is vintage industrial advertising, not satirical commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE FIRST AMERICAN CAR TO ADOPT THE KNIGHT TYPE SLEEVE VALVE*MOTOR THE ULTIMATE CAR KNIGHT TYPE MOTOR A trifle over four months ago we announced the Stearns- Knight—a car embodying the famous ‘‘Silent- Knight’? type motor. In common with the leading cars of the old world —the Daimler, Panhard, Mer- cedes and Minerva—we were not content with the old style engine. We had something better. In the four months since we made our announcement we have received twice the number of orders ever taken in a similar length of time in the sixteen years experience of this company. Even before the announcement was made—when it was first rumored that we were bringing outa Knight engined car—orders were sent intous. Most of them were from men familiar with the European situation—men who knew of the progress of Daimler, Panhard, Mer- cedes and Minerva since they adopted the Knight motor. Men who wanted an American car with a Knight type engine. Then, following deliveries of cars to owners and dealers all over the United States, there came a flood of orders unsurpassed in the history of our busi- ness. They were from experienced motorists—men who grasped almost in an instant the fundamental advantages of the Knight engine over the old style. These men knew the wonderful per- formance of the Knight, and of the two years’ trials, tests and experiments conducted by this company before we were satisfied that the Knight repre- sented the utmost in automobile engine construction. All this—and more—we have made clear in booklet form. The story of Knight’s fight for recognition—the in- side facts of the six years’ struggle—the simple reason for Knight superiority— why we adopted the motor. All this information should be in the hands of every well posted man. Wewill be glad to mail it to any address—just send us the coupon. THE F.B.STEARNS CO. Crelond BRANCHES: New York - Pittsburgh - Atlanta - San Francisco Dealers in all other principal towns and cities. Equipment of the Stearns-Knight includes: Wamer Auto-Meter Model K, Banker Windshield, Klaxon Horn, Vesta Electric Gener- ator Lighting System, Silk Mohair Top and Cover, Continental Q. D. Demountable Rims, Muffler Cut-out, Footrest, Robe Rail, Trunk Rack, Bulb Hor, ‘etc. Derr. B The F. B. STEARNS CO. Cleveland, O. Send your booklets concerning the new Steams-Knight. Name comicbooks.com